Utp22p acts in concert with Utp8p to channel aminoacyl-tRNA from the nucleolus to the nuclear tRNA export receptor Los1p but not Msn5p

Abstract

Utp8p is an essential nucleolar protein that channels aminoacyl-tRNAs from aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases in the nucleolus to the nuclear tRNA export receptors located in the nucleoplasm and nuclear pore complex in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Utp8p is also part of the U3 snoRNA-associated protein complex involved in 18S rRNA biogenesis in the nucleolus. We report that Utp22p, which is another member of the U3 snoRNA-associated protein complex, is also an intranuclear component of the nuclear tRNA export machinery. Depletion of Utp22p results in nuclear retention of mature tRNAs derived from intron-containing and intronless precursors. Moreover, Utp22p copurifies with the nuclear tRNA export receptor Los1p, the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase Tys1p and Utp8p, but not with the RanGTPase Gsp1p and the nuclear tRNA export receptor Msn5p. Utp22p interacts directly with Utp8p and Los1p in a tRNA-independent manner in vitro. Utp22p also interacts directly with Tys1p, but this binding is stimulated when Tys1p is bound to tRN...